As a team from Washington shuttled across the corridors of South Block impressing upon Government officials that the US request for Indian troops in Iraq was not outside the UN Security Council Resolution on the subject, a four-member joint Indian team reached Iraq to survey the humanitarian situation and medical relief needed there.A team of Pentagon officials, led by Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security Peter Rodman, held two rounds of talks today with an Indian delegation headed by Joint Secretary (UN Political) B.S. Prakash.The team is understood to have specifically drawn New Delhi’s attention to the UN Security Council Resolution 1483 on May 21, which appeals to the members states ‘‘to assist the people of Iraq in their efforts to reform their institutions, rebuild their country and to contribute to conditions of stability and security in Iraq’’.According to South Block officials, the team lay particular emphasis on New Delhi’s possible contribution to ‘‘security’’ and ‘‘stability’’ in Iraq. In the context of the US request for over 15,000 Indian troops to be deployed in Iraq, the team apparently highlighted New Delhi’s impeccable record in peacekeeping missions abroad.The Indian side, however, sought clarifications on a range of issues related to the interim political administration in Iraq, the kind of roadmap for the war-ravaged country’s political reconstruction as well as the humanitarian situation there. New Delhi also gauged the possibility of whether a situation may arise for Indian troops to open fire in the event of their deployment, the duration for which New Delhi will be committed to in Iraq and the range of tasks which its soldiers would have to carry out.Both sides also discussed the possible profile of an Indian military contingent that might be needed for the stability operations. Its exact role, mandate and relationship with the UN also came up for detailed deliberation. The US delegation also briefed Indian officials of the current political, economic and security situation in Iraq. The three-member team later held discussions with Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Brajesh Mishra and Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal.Meanwhile, an Indian team comprising a Director-rank official of the MEA Ajay Gondane and three Brigadiers of the Armed Forces Medical Corps reached Iraq today. Prior to that, the team held discussions with Jordanian officials on the situation in Iraq.It is believed that the team will survey the humanitarian situation in the country and assess the medical requirement. This reconnaisance is apparently part of New Delhi’s intent to open a hospital there as part of its commitment for providing humanitarian assistance to Iraq.
